Kendal Farmers' Market has been crowned national champion in the Local Food and Drink category at the 2026 Countryside Alliance Awards. The ceremony, held on 8 July at the House of Lords, celebrated rural enterprises that form the backbone of the British economy.

Often referred to as the "Rural Oscars," these awards are in their 19th year and recognise businesses that exemplify community spirit, local provenance, and sustainability. This year, more than 50,000 members of the public participated in the voting process.

The North of England was well represented among the national champions and highly commended entries:

Broom House Farm (County Durham): Crowned national champion in the Butcher category, noted for its field-to-fork excellence, organic farming, and traditional butchery.

Kendal Farmers' Market (Cumbria): National champion in the Local Food and Drink category.

Field & Fodder (County Durham): Highly commended in the Rural Enterprise category.

Kendal’s success highlights a long-standing tradition; the town has held a market charter since 1189, granted by King Richard I. Today, the market operates twice monthly and supports producers within a 30-mile radius. It serves as a vital economic hub, with growing footfall and increasing demand from both traders and consumers.

Sarah Lee, Director of the Countryside Alliance Awards, said: "Now in their nineteenth year, the Countryside Alliance Awards continue to showcase the amazing people and enterprises that form the beating heart of rural Britain. These stories of diligence, innovation, hard work and community camaraderie deserve to be heard in the corridors of power.

"Whether you're here representing a village pub, a local shop, a family farm, or a rural enterprise, you are all champions of the countryside and the communities that live there.

"These Awards are about more than just business. They are a celebration of the people and values that keep rural life alive, commitment to community, a passion for produce, innovation, sustainability, and good old-fashioned hard work. It's a privilege to welcome such exemplary standard bearers of rural Britain to Westminster.

"Good luck to all of you. Your perseverance, ingenuity and toil have brought you this far, and whatever happens next, you should all be incredibly proud of what you've achieved.’’

Kendal Farmers' Market Manager, Marian Graveson, commented: "We are absolutely thrilled to have won the National title as Local Food & Drink Champion in the Countryside Alliance Awards 2026, which is a fitting follow-on to the Northwest award we received earlier this year. Kendal Farmers' Market continues to go from strength to strength, and operating twice a month is a testament to the growing passion for high-quality, locally produced food and drink.

"This award celebrates not only the market itself, but the farmers, producers and artisans who work tirelessly to bring the very best of our region to Kendal. It was also lovely to have our local MP, Tim Farron, join us on the day to support the team; his encouragement means a great deal to everyone who works so hard to make the market a success.’’

Harriet Pugh, of Sweet Treats by Martin Frickel and a trader at the market, added: "It was an incredible honour to be at the House of Lords representing Kendal Farmers' Market and the traders who make it what it is. Standing in a room celebrating rural businesses from right across the country, and knowing our market was being recognised as the very best for local food and drink, was a genuinely proud moment. It's a real testament to the community spirit here in Kendal, and to the customers who turn out, month after month, to support us.’’

The Countryside Alliance Awards continue to highlight the resilience of rural businesses, which are essential to the economic vitality of Northern England’s rural landscape.